Dear Neighbors,
Greetings to you from the Capitol! Here are some updates from a busy week!
A Second Muslim Ban from the White House
I continue to be distressed and saddened by the xenophobic and racist policies that this White House continues to attempt to enact. Earlier this week I released a complete statement on the White House Executive Order that continues to discriminate against Muslim refugees. This executive order doesn’t protect our safety here, and actually deeply harms many American communities.
I also joined WCCO’s Esme Murphy this week to discuss what these actions mean for our community. You can watch that interview here.
Immigration Resource Fair – Tomorrow, March 11 from 1:00-5:00pm
Tomorrow I will be sponsoring an Immigration Resource Fair at the Brian Coyle Center. Drop in any time to have your immigration questions answered by experts. See details below:
International Women's Day
There were hundreds of people wearing red at the Capitol on March 8th for International Women’s Day, and I joined my colleagues in voting “absent” on the board during session to show our support for women who were drawing attention to the important roles they play in our community and work life. The Minnesota House has the largest number of female members in history- 49 - and is more diverse thanks to DFLers. Women make up nearly half of the DFL caucus. I joined other colleagues in a statement on Women’s Day:
“I’m proud to work with a powerful, strong generation of young women who are clear in their demand – we need to create a society that establishes full equality for all women, everywhere. No matter the race, religion, ethnicity or creed, we need to keep fighting to create true equality for women everywhere. I am proud to join my fellow female legislators celebrating the women of Minnesota on International Women’s Day."
Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing Day
I met with constituents who were lobbying on issues important to the deaf, deaf blind, and hard of hearing communities earlier this week. We had excellent conversations!
Somali Museum Bill Hearing
A bill I’ve authored (HF 1645) to support the important work of the Somali Museum of Minnesota received its first hearing in the Legacy Committee on Monday. I’m proud to support the important work they do to celebrate Somali culture and educate the public.
Osman Ali, Executive Director of the Somali Museum, joined me to testify on the bill.
You can always contact me at rep.ilhan.omar@house.mn or at 651-296-4257. I appreciate hearing from you.
Please follow me on facebook and twitter to stay up to date and receive action alerts.
Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
State Representative